Ezekiel 28:23

KJV

For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will send {H7971} into her pestilence {H1698}, and blood {H1818} into her streets {H2351}; and the wounded {H2491} shall be judged {H5307} in the midst {H8432} of her by the sword {H2719} upon her on every side {H5439}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I will send plagues into her, and blood will flow in her streets; attacked from all sides by the sword, the wounded will fall within her. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will send a plague against her and shed blood in her streets; the slain will fall within her, while the sword is against her on every side. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

American Standard Version

For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall fall in the midst of her, with the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:23 delivers a stark prophetic judgment against the city of Tyre, detailing the severe divine wrath that will be unleashed upon it. This verse describes a multi-faceted destruction encompassing widespread disease, violent bloodshed in the public thoroughfares, and relentless military assault from all directions, resulting in the death of many. The ultimate purpose of this devastating judgment, as declared by God, is to compel both Tyre and the surrounding nations to acknowledge His absolute sovereignty and unique identity as the LORD, Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28:23 is nestled within a series of prophetic oracles (chapters 26-28) specifically directed against Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state renowned for its immense wealth, maritime dominance, and perceived invincibility. The preceding verses in chapter 28, particularly [Ezekiel 28:1-10](/ezekiel/28-1 "Ezekiel 28:1-10 - The Oracle Against the Prince of Tyre"), focus on the "prince of Tyre," a figure characterized by extreme pride and arrogance, who dared to claim divine status. This hubris, coupled with Tyre's commercial exploitation and spiritual defilement, provoked God's severe judgment. Verse 23 specifies the nature of this impending judgment, serving as a climactic declaration of the city's complete downfall, emphasizing the inescapable consequences of defying divine authority. The oracle against Tyre is followed by a brief oracle against Sidon in [Ezekiel 28:20-23](/ezekiel/28-20 "Ezekiel 28:20-23 - Oracle Against Sidon"), which shares similar themes of judgment and the revelation of God's glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Tyre was a formidable island city, a major commercial hub of the ancient world, located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon. Its wealth derived from extensive trade networks, including purple dye, cedar timber, and skilled craftsmanship. The city's fortifications were legendary, making it seem impregnable. Historically, Tyre faced sieges from powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. The prophecy in Ezekiel likely anticipates the prolonged siege by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (c. 586-573 BC), which lasted 13 years, and later, the decisive destruction by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. The cultural context includes the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, a practice considered idolatrous by Yahweh. Tyre's self-sufficiency and pride, rooted in its material prosperity and military strength, stood in stark contrast to the sovereignty of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations and His unwavering commitment to execute justice against those who defy Him. The calamities described are not random but direct, divinely ordained consequences. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Sin**, as Tyre's downfall serves as a stark warning against human self-exaltation, material idolatry, and commercial greed that leads to spiritual corruption. This echoes the biblical principle that [pride precedes destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Thirdly, the recurring phrase, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," is a signature motif throughout the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 60 times. It signifies that the ultimate purpose of God's judgments—whether on Israel or the surrounding nations—is to reveal His true identity, power, and justice. Through these devastating events, Tyre and the surrounding nations would be compelled to acknowledge Yahweh's undeniable sovereignty, a theme also seen in contexts of restoration, such as [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Hallowed Among the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** (H1698) Derived from a root meaning "to destroy," this term refers to a widespread, often fatal, disease or plague. In biblical prophecy, pestilence is frequently depicted as an instrument of divine judgment, signifying God's direct intervention in bringing about destruction and death. Its inclusion here indicates a comprehensive judgment that affects the populace directly, beyond military conflict.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** (H2719) This word denotes a cutting instrument, primarily a sword, but also encompasses other sharp implements used for destruction. As a symbol, the sword represents warfare, violent death, and military conquest. Its repeated mention in prophetic judgment signifies the brutal and inescapable nature of the impending military assault, emphasizing that the destruction will be both internal (pestilence) and external (warfare).
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere intellectual apprehension to encompass experiential knowledge, recognition, acknowledgment, and even intimate relationship. In the context of divine judgment, "to know that I am the LORD" implies a forced, undeniable recognition of God's power, authority, and unique identity through His actions. It is a revelation of His sovereignty that leaves no room for doubt or denial, compelling even His enemies to acknowledge His supreme being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets":** This clause initiates the declaration of judgment, specifying two primary forms of divine wrath. "Pestilence" (deber) signifies widespread disease and death, a common biblical idiom for God's direct intervention in bringing about calamity. "Blood into her streets" vividly portrays violent bloodshed and slaughter occurring openly in the public spaces of Tyre, indicating either internal strife, the brutal aftermath of siege, or both. This paints a picture of a city overwhelmed by death and violence.
* **"and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of the destruction. "The wounded" (châlâl) refers to those pierced or slain, emphasizing the casualties of the conflict. The verb "shall be judged" (nâphal, lit. "fall") implies that they will fall or perish, undergoing a divine verdict through the sword. The phrase "in the midst of her" highlights the internal chaos and devastation, while "by the sword upon her on every side" underscores the relentless and comprehensive nature of the military assault, indicating that Tyre will be attacked and overwhelmed from all directions, leaving no escape.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD":** This concluding declaration reveals the ultimate theological purpose behind the severe judgment. The phrase "they shall know" (yâdaʻ) signifies a profound, experiential recognition. "The LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal One. Through the overwhelming calamities, Tyre and the surrounding nations will be forced to acknowledge His unparalleled power, justice, and sovereignty, understanding that these events are not random but are the deliberate actions of the one true God, revealing His identity and authority to a world that had ignored or defied Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:23 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of impending judgment. **Imagery** is central, with vivid descriptions of "pestilence," "blood into her streets," and "the sword upon her on every side," creating a visceral sense of widespread death and destruction. This appeals directly to the reader's senses, making the prophecy's severity palpable. The phrase "blood into her streets" is a form of **metonymy**, where "blood" stands for the violent deaths and carnage that will fill the city's public spaces. **Hyperbole** might be subtly present in the cumulative effect of these calamities, emphasizing the totality of Tyre's downfall, though the historical fulfillments suggest a devastating reality. Finally, the recurring declaration, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," functions as a **refrain** throughout Ezekiel, acting as a **theological marker** that underscores the ultimate purpose of all divine action—the revelation of God's sovereign identity and power. This refrain provides a climactic and purposeful conclusion to the description of judgment, shifting the focus from the destruction itself to its divine intent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:23 powerfully articulates the principle of divine judgment against human pride and rebellion, a theme woven throughout biblical narrative. It demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends over all nations, and He will not tolerate the self-exaltation that denies His ultimate authority. The severe judgment on Tyre serves as a stark reminder that material prosperity and perceived invincibility are no shield against the righteous wrath of the Almighty. Ultimately, the purpose of such judgment is not merely destruction but revelation—to ensure that all, even His adversaries, come to an undeniable knowledge of His identity as the LORD, the one true God. This judgment foreshadows a greater, final judgment where all will bow before the King of kings.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The LORD is Known by His Judgment")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:1-24](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel 28:23 describes a historical judgment on ancient Tyre, its profound spiritual principles remain eternally relevant for individuals and nations today. It challenges us to examine the foundations of our security and identity. Do we, like Tyre, place our trust in wealth, power, or self-sufficiency, becoming arrogant in our achievements? Or do we humbly acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all blessings and the true arbiter of justice? This verse calls us to recognize that God's judgments, though severe, always serve a greater purpose: to reveal His character, power, and holiness, compelling us to "know that He is the LORD." This knowledge should not merely be intellectual but should lead to repentance, humility, and a reverent fear of God, shaping our values and priorities to align with His divine will. It reminds us that true security is found only in submission to His sovereignty, not in worldly might or material accumulation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-sufficiency, similar to ancient Tyre?**
* **How does God's willingness to execute severe judgment against sin deepen my understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know that I am the LORD" in a personal and transformative way, beyond mere intellectual assent?**

### FAQ

**Was the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 28:23 literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecies against Tyre, including the elements described in Ezekiel 28:23, were largely fulfilled through a combination of historical events. The prolonged 13-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (c. 586-573 BC) significantly weakened the mainland city, leading to much bloodshed and destruction. However, the island city remained formidable. The most decisive fulfillment came later with Alexander the Great's siege in 332 BC, which involved building a causeway to the island, resulting in its complete destruction, the slaughter of thousands, and the enslavement of its inhabitants. This historical record aligns remarkably with the prophecy's details of pestilence, blood in the streets, and judgment by the sword from "every side," leading to the recognition of God's sovereignty.

**What is the significance of the phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" in Ezekiel?**

Answer: The phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: *yeda'u ki ani Yahweh*) is a foundational theological motif in the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 60 times. It signifies that the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, is to reveal His true identity, power, and unique sovereignty. It's not merely about intellectual knowledge, but a profound, experiential recognition and acknowledgment of His divine being and authority. In the context of judgment, as in [Ezekiel 28:23](/ezekiel/28-23 "Ezekiel 28:23 - Judgment on Tyre"), it means that even those who defy Him will be forced to concede His supremacy through the undeniable display of His power. In contexts of restoration, such as [Ezekiel 37:13](/ezekiel/37-13 "Ezekiel 37:13 - Knowing God in Resurrection"), it signifies Israel's renewed understanding of God's faithfulness and covenant keeping. It is a declaration that God will ensure His name is hallowed and His nature understood by all.

**How does Tyre's pride in Ezekiel 28 relate to its judgment?**

Answer: Tyre's judgment, as detailed in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Oracle Against the Prince of Tyre"), is directly linked to its profound pride and self-exaltation. The "prince of Tyre" is depicted as claiming divine status, believing himself to be a god seated in the "seat of God" (see [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - Prince of Tyre's Pride")). This hubris, stemming from Tyre's immense wealth, wisdom, and commercial success, led to spiritual arrogance and a denial of God's ultimate authority. The judgment, therefore, is God's response to this usurpation of His divine prerogative. It demonstrates that He will cast down those who exalt themselves against Him, affirming that true wisdom and power belong solely to Him. The fall of Tyre serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 28:23 describes a specific historical judgment against ancient Tyre, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment against Tyre for its pride and rebellion foreshadows the comprehensive judgment of sin and evil that was decisively accomplished at the cross. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath against humanity's sin, including pride and self-exaltation, offering a path to reconciliation that Tyre's judgment could not provide. Furthermore, the declaration "they shall know that I am the LORD" points forward to the universal acknowledgment of Christ's Lordship. [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow") proclaims that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This ultimate revelation of God's sovereignty, first hinted at in judgment on rebellious nations, culminates in the glorification of Christ, through whom all things will be brought into submission, whether willingly in salvation or unwillingly in judgment, ensuring that all creation will ultimately "know" the one true God revealed in His Son. The final defeat of spiritual Tyre, or "Babylon the Great," in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great"), is a further Christ-centered fulfillment, where the triumph of God's kingdom is realized through the Lamb.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Ezekiel 25:11

And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 26:6

And her daughters which [are] in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 25:17

And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.

Ezekiel 5:12

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Ezekiel 25:7

Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.